Adaptive Port Routing Notification for Power-Efficient Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing multipath routing in network devices such as switches to ensure optimal path selection while minimizing power consumption, especially during periods of low traffic.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system and method for a computing system, such as a switch, to monitor bandwidth across its ports, generate and transmit adaptive routing notification packets when bandwidth falls below a threshold, and deactivate underutilized ports to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multipath routing is implemented to enhance robustness and flexibility, then data communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication reliabilityVSAvoidrouting management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors bandwidth metrics for each port and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions. When a port's bandwidth falls below a threshold, the system automatically redirects traffic to alternative paths, eliminating the need for complex manual routing configuration while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The routing system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting bandwidth conditions and adjusting paths without external intervention. The device monitors its own state and makes autonomous routing decisions, reducing operational complexity while enhancing communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If all ports remain active to ensure availability, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts port states based on real-time bandwidth conditions. Ports transition between active and inactive states according to traffic demands, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during low-traffic periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameter of ports based on bandwidth threshold comparisons. When bandwidth drops below the threshold, ports are deactivated; when traffic increases, ports are reactivated. This parameter change strategy balances reliability and power consumption adaptively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If bandwidth monitoring and adaptive routing notifications are implemented, then power management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses simple feedback loops that continuously compare actual bandwidth against predefined thresholds and trigger appropriate responses. This straightforward feedback mechanism achieves efficient power management without requiring complex control algorithms or additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The bandwidth monitoring operates continuously in the background, providing constant data to the control logic. This continuous monitoring enables timely power management decisions without requiring complex periodic sampling or interrupt-driven architecture, simplifying the overall system design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250184287A1Adaptive port routing notification
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)
  • US20250184287A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184287A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184287A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device, communication system, and method are provided. In one example, a system for routing traffic is described that includes a plurality of ports to facilitate communication over a network. The system also includes a controller to selectively activate or deactivate ports of the system based on queue depths and additional information to improve power efficiency of the system.